Philippines’ Lifestyle Industry Penetrates Profitable Middle East Market in INDEX Dubai 2018

The Philippines is ready to re-establish its presence in the Middle East’s furniture and interior design industry now that the region is seeing an increasing demand in its hotel and tourism industry.

Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the LifestylePhilippines delegation is participating in INDEX Dubai happening at the Dubai World Trade Centre on March 26-29, 2018.

Joining the Philippine exhibit are Arden Classic, Betis Crafts, CDO Handmade, Nature’s Legacy, Beatriz, Lally Dizon, Tim Tam Ong and Larone Crafts. Targeting PHP 2.73 million in sales, the delegation will enter the trade fair’s furniture and furnishings, and lamps and lighting sectors.

“The Philippines recognizes the importance of capitalizing on the buying power of the six Gulf Cooperation Council states, which are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates,” said CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon. “That’s why we’re leading Filipino exporters to the Middle East so they can establish themselves in the market as a steadfast provider of furniture and furnishings. We will specifically target their hospitality, hotel, and tourism industries.”

LifestylePhilippines’ participation in INDEX Dubai is expected to be an annual affair led by CITEM. Local companies will showcase iconic pieces from their collection that best represent their design and manufacturing capability.

Promoting the Philippines as a major source of quality furniture is in line with the economic growth expected in the Middle East due to its hosting of two upcoming high-profile events. The region is home to Expo 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup happening in Dubai and Qatar, respectively.

The Philippine furniture industry is expected to sustain its 10 percent export growth in 2018 as domestic and export demand continues to climb. High-end markets and overseas projects in the Middle East have captured the sights of local players, who are catering to palaces in Qatar and villas in Abu Dhabi, UAE’s capital.

Since its launch in 1987, INDEX has been connecting architects, interior designers, developers, and procurement professionals with the latest brands, trendsetting start-ups, and the biggest international figures in the interior furnishings and fit-out scene.

It prides itself as the largest gathering for the design community in Middle East and North Africa. In 2017 alone, INDEX gathered more than 800 exhibitors and over 34,000 attendees.

INDEX covers six sectors: Architecture & Design City; Accessories & Homeware; Cabinets, Closets & Storage; Furniture & Furnishings; Lighting & Technology; Sleep & Textiles. With the theme “An Exploration of Self-Expression,” the trade fair will celebrate design as a direct reflection of individuality.